Have you ever noticed how many couples call it quits when Mercury goes retrograde? This pesky little planet seems to wreak havoc on relationships during its apparent backward motion. Whether you believe in astrology or not, the surge of breakups is real.

Before you know it, you’re calling it off with your sweetheart in a fit of retrograde rage. Then Mercury goes direct again, and you’re left wondering what the heck just happened. Forewarned is forearmed, so read on to learn how to avoid becoming another retrograde relationship casualty.

How Mercury Retrograde Can Affect Relationships

Mercury retrograde periods are infamous for relationship drama and breakups. Why does this cosmic event seem to stir the pot? Here are a few reasons these backspins can affect your love life:

  • Communication breakdowns. When Mercury is retrograde, technology glitches and misunderstandings are common. It’s easy for signals to get crossed, feelings to get hurt, and trust to be tested in relationships. Be extra mindful of how you express yourself to your partner during this time.
  • Exes return. Past partners often reappear during Mercury retrograde, dredging up old feelings and memories. This can create confusion over current relationships and temptations to rekindle old flames. Be wary of acting on nostalgia – there’s usually a good reason why it ended.
  • Unfinished business. Mercury retrograde periods highlight unfinished tasks and unresolved issues in our lives. For couples, this may mean past arguments or lingering resentments bubble up again. Make an effort to clear the air and find closure on ongoing conflicts.
  • Questioning the status quo. These backspins prompt us to re-evaluate parts of our lives that have become routine. For some, this includes questioning their current relationship or partnership. Don’t make any rash decisions during this introspective phase. Wait until Mercury goes direct to determine if the doubts are valid or just a passing phase.

How To Avoid Breakup During Mercury Retrograde

The retrograde may seem like the perfect excuse for relationships to go haywire, but you can take matters into your own hands. Here are some tips to help your partnership weather the storm:

Communicate. Communicate. And Communicate.

The lines of communication can get crossed during Mercury retrograde, so make the extra effort to connect. Check in with your partner, ask how they’re feeling, and really listen. Clear up any misunderstandings right away.

Make sure to really check in with them during this time. Ask them straight up how they’re feeling and what’s going on. Really make an effort to listen without interrupting or getting distracted. It’s important they feel heard.

If something does come up where it seems like you aren’t on the same page, clear it up right away instead of letting it linger. It’s easy for little things to blow out of proportion when Mercury is in retrograde, so I try to nip any issues in the bud. Your mouth is not only for eating! Communicate!

Give Each Other Space

Spending some time apart will prevent little annoyances from building up and causing bigger arguments. Do your own thing and reconnect when you’ve both cooled off.

Spending some time apart when you’re starting to get on each other’s nerves is a smart way to hit the reset button. It prevents little comments or behaviors from building up and blowing up into a full-blown argument. Nothing good ever comes from hashing things out when emotions are running hot.

Instead of constantly being in each other’s space during this time, do your own thing for a bit. Spend time with friends, work on your hobbies, or just take some time to relax alone. Absence really can make the heart grow fonder, as they say. A break gives you a chance to miss being together instead of being irritated by each other.

Avoid Making Big Decisions

Don’t propose, move in together or sign any legal papers until Mercury goes direct. Wait to start new projects or make changes to your routine. Stick with the status quo, at least for now.

Be Flexible And Patient

Understand that tensions may be running high, so extend extra patience and cut each other some slack. Compromise when you can and try not to sweat the small stuff.

You care about each other, so try to see things from the other person’s perspective too. And above all, don’t forget why you decided to be together in the first place. What first brought you close is still there, even when the little things annoy you.

Lean On Others For Support

Call a friend or family member if you start to feel overwhelmed. Let them remind you of the good in your relationship and offer a sympathetic ear. Getting another perspective can help prevent feelings of resentment from building up.

Bottom Line

Now that you understand Mercury’s trickster ways, you’ll be better prepared the next time it goes retrograde. When communication mishaps and exes start popping up, don’t panic. Stay grounded in yourself and focus on self-care. The retrograde period will pass, as will the desire to make any rash decisions. Your relationships and life direction will become clearer again once Mercury goes direct.

For now, reflect on the past and tie up any loose ends. Then, you can move forward with confidence, knowing you made it through the storm unscathed. The universe works in mysterious ways, but at least now you’ve got the inside scoop on why breakups seem to come in waves. Forewarned is forearmed.